Igreja de São Francisco de Assis

Top choice in Minas Gerais


This exquisite 1774 baroque church, fronted by a palm-shaded, lyre-shaped plaza, is home to two Aleijadinho sculptures (second altar to the left) and one of Minas' finest facades, based on Aleijadinho’s design. Out back, arrows lead to politician Tancredo Neves' grave, a pilgrimage site for Brazilians. The local Ribeiro Bastos orchestra and choir perform sacred baroque music at 9:15am Sunday.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Minas Gerais attractions

1. Museu Regional São João del Rei

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4. Catedral de NS do Pilar

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6. Museu Ferroviário

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7. Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio

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8. Museu Liturgia

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Spanning three centuries, this museum's collection includes vestments, ex votos and hundreds of other historical liturgical objects from Tiradentes'…

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